CODEL SHELBY VISIT TO NICARAGUA, JULY 1-3

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAGUA 001791 SIPDIS CODEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN NU SUBJECT: CODEL SHELBY VISIT TO NICARAGUA, JULY 1-3 REF: A) STATE 129789; B) Schorch-Luftman e-mail, 6/15/04 ¶1. Embassy Managua warmly welcomes the visit of Senator Richard Shelby, Dr. Annette Shelby, and accompanying congressional delegation members to travel to Nicaragua July 1 - 3, 2004. ¶2. CODEL Control Officer will be acting Economic Counselor Eric Luftman (office phone 011-505-266-6010 x 4549; home phone 011-505-265-8471; fax 011-505-266-9056; cell 011-505- 886-5057; E-mail LuftmanEW@state.gov). Administrative POC will be Management Counselor Trevor Snellgrove (office phone 011-505-266-6010 x 4757; home phone 011-505-265-8855; fax 011-505-266-3865; cell 011-505-885-8044; E-mail SnellgroveTA@state.gov). The Embassy's after-hours number is (505) 266-6038. ¶3. Reservations have been made for July 1-3 at the Intercontinental Metrocentro Hotel, located at Metrocentro, Managua (tel. 011-505-278-4545; fax 011-505-278-6300). Per ref B information on delegation members, we have reserved three double rooms in the names of Shelby, Cornyn, and Hollings; and four single rooms for staff members and military escort. In addition to these rooms, we have reserved two connected rooms to serve as the control room and the hospitality room, making a total of nine rooms reserved. Room numbers are not currently available, but we have requested rooms on the fifth floor. The USG daily rate is $115, including breakfast, for all rooms. Post will arrange tax exemption for all CODEL members. Latest date for cancellation without penalty is 6:00 p.m. prior to the date of arrival. ¶4. Embassy will provide transportation to and from the airport, and for all official events. The proposed schedule is as follows: THURSDAY, JULY 1 9:00 am Depart from San Salvador via milair 9:45 am Arrive Managua 10:30 - 11:30 am Country Team Briefing 12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch with President Bolanos and economic - cabinet members 2:00 - 3:00 pm Meeting with Minister of Finance Eduardo - Montiel 3:30 - 4:30 pm Meeting with Central Bank President Mario - Alonso 4:45 - 7:00 pm Rest at hotel 7:00 - 9:30 pm Dinner hosted by Eduardo Montealegre, - Secretary of the Presidency, with GON - Cabinet Members related to Millennium - Challenge Account FRIDAY, JULY 2 7:30 - 9:00 am Breakfast with private sector leaders - hosted by AmCham 9:30 - 10:30 am Meeting with Superintendent of Banks - Alfonso Llanes 11:00 - 12:00 pm Meeting with Director of Taxes Roger - Arteaga 12:30 - 2:00 pm Restaurant lunch with National Assembly - economic committee members 2:30 - 3:30 pm Meeting with Bankers Association members 3:45 - 5:45 pm Rest at hotel. 6:00 - 8:00 pm Fourth of July reception at Ambassador's - residence. SATURDAY, JULY 3 7:00 am Breakfast in hospitality suite. c. 9:00 am Depart via milair to San Jose. ¶5. U.S. citizens are not required to have a Nicaraguan visa to enter the country, however upon arrival holders of passports other than diplomatic are required to purchase a tourist card for $5. Non-diplomatic passport holders are also charged a departure tax of $32. ¶6. Security assessment: While the Embassy has no information to indicate that official or private U.S. travelers to Nicaragua are specifically targeted for terrorist or criminal activity, there is a continuing risk. Violent crime in the capital is increasing and street crimes, including robbery and pickpocketing, are common. ¶7. Based on safety recommendations made by the police and published in various newspapers, the RSO recommends the following when considering utilizing taxi service: (1) Avoid taking taxis if possible, especially after 7:00 p.m. The majority of crimes have been reported at night. After 10:00 p.m., both taxi drivers and passengers automatically become potential victims of an assault, sexual assault, or even murder. (2) Before taking a taxicab, make sure that it has a red plate and that the number is legible. Also, check that the taxi is properly labeled with the Cooperativa name and logo. Theses are the names of the most reliable taxi cooperatives: Cooperativa de Radio Taxis 25 de Febrero - Ph: 222-5218; Cooperativa de Radio Taxis El Gueguense - Ph: 249-7036 or call at Hotel Intercontinental Metrocentro at 278-4545 (Supervisor's name is Nelly Morales); Cooperativa de Radio Taxis 23 de Agosto at Hotel Princess - Ph: 270-5045; Cooperativa de Taxis Ruleteros Guardabarranco - Ph: 248-2026; Cooperativa de Taxi Urbano de Managua La Union - Ph: 249-8536. ¶8. Medical assessment: Malaria in Nicaragua is endemic - particularly in low-lying areas - especially Managua and the beaches. As in most of Central America, dengue is also a problem. Personnel are urged to drink bottled water particularly in the chancery. Visitors can check in with the medical unit for further information. ¶9. Access to certain sections of the chancery requires a security clearance. Please advise Embassy of the travelers' level of clearance prior to their arrival. ¶10. This is the rainy season in Managua with daytime highs in the 90's and evening temperatures falling to 80's. Coat and tie business attire are required for calls on GON officials, but informal dress (open-collar shirts and slacks for men and summer dresses and skirts and blouses for women) is appropriate for other calls. MOORE